Viramune (Nevirapine)

Viramune

Generic name: Nevirapine

Nevirapine tablets

What are nevirapine tablets?

NEVIRAPINE (Viramune®) is an antiviral drug called a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NNRTI. Nevirapine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nevirapine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Nevirapine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Nevirapine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic nevirapine tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease requiring dialysis
• liver disease, including hepatitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nevirapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I take this medicine?

Take nevirapine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. You may take nevirapine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

To make sure that your medication works as well as possible to treat your condition, take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with nevirapine?

• birth control pills or other hormonal birth control medicines (like the patch, ring, or injections)
• cimetidine
• doxercalciferol
• dronabinol, THC
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• medicines for anxiety or depression including alprazolam, triazolam, or zolpidem
• medicines for seizures including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
• methadone
• paricalcitol
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• St. John's wort

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects might I notice from taking nevirapine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• abdominal pain
• dark yellow or brown urine
• general ill feeling or 'flu-like' symptoms
• hives
• loss of appetite
• mouth blisters or lesions
• muscle or joint aches
• pain, ache, or sensitivity to touch just below your ribs
• pale colored stools (bowel movements)
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• severe dizziness
• skin rash or peeling skin
• swelling of the eyelids or face
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow color of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• itching
• nausea, vomiting
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet or around the mouth

What should I watch for while taking nevirapine?

Severe liver reactions or skin rashes may be seen with nevirapine therapy. The risk of these reactions is greatest during the first 18 weeks of treatment, but can also occur later. If you develop a rash at any time while you are taking nevirapine, call your health care provider immediately. You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress and to watch for possible reactions. You will need to have your blood drawn regularly to monitor your therapy and your liver function. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional.

Nevirapine will not cure HIV infection and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your health condition. Taking nevirapine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions, and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone.

If you are a women of childbearing age and are using hormone contraceptives, then you should use another form of birth control while taking nevirapine. Nevirapine may decrease the effectiveness of hormone birth control agents, including oral contraceptives.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.